Monday, February 25, 2008

Batu constituency is a mixed consituency; part kampung part urban - it includes the working class Pekeliling flats area, some parts of Selayang and Jinjang up to the vicinity of the affluent Twin Towers and the KL Tower. In the rural part of Batu, you can even see small herds of cows. Hawker food stalls and also places of worship are a common sight in Batu.

The major roads in Batu are Jalan Ipoh and Jalan Sentul, two of the oldest roads in the Klang Valley. Most people in Batu earn their living through odd jobs, farming, petty trading or own small businesses. This constituency consist of 44% Malays, 40%Chinese, 14% Indians and 6% others.

Gerakan has represented Barisan Nasional in the Batu parliamentary constituency for many years. Being a BN stronghold, Batu has attracted rivalries for representation within the BN - MIC and PPP have expressed keen interest in this seat.

In 2004 Ng Lip Yong of Gerakan comfortably defeated Keadilan's information chief Tian Chua with a majority of 11,517 votes. Ng Lip Yong polled 28,718 votes against the 17,201 obtained by Tian Chua. This election, however, Lip has made way for current party advisor and past president for 26 years, Dr.Lim Keng Yaik's son, Lim Si Pin.

So this time round it will be Lim Si Pin Vs Tian Chua

Tian Chua, the current Keadilan information chief is no 'nyamuk' (mosquito) in politics. He is a human rights activist turned politician. Born in Malacca, he was educated in chinese medium and national type schools in Malacca, and continued his tertiary education in the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales in Australia, majoring in argiculture, then in philosophy. He also holds an Masters degree Employment & Labour Studies from Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in the Hague, the Netherlands. Prior to entering politics Tian Chua was a well known student leader in Australia and a major activist with human rights NGO, Suaram.

Tian Chua is known for his bravado that has attracted media attention - being arrested and beaten by the police for taking part in demonstrations, been falsely accused of attempted murder by driving racklessly, been criticised for doctoring and distributing a 'threesome photo' relating to the Altantuya murder case, amongst others. But many people who know him will testify that no one can question the sincerity and integrity in Tien Chua's politics. He is greatly admired for fearlessly pursuing his ideals. Tian Chua is like our very own Justice Bao (Bao Zheng).

Lim Si Pin, on the other hand, is currently Gerakan's Deputy Youth Chief and the only son of Dr.Lim Keng Yaik. He has a double degree (economics and law) and Masters (finance and banking) from the University of Wales. He said in interviews with a local newspaper that Gerakan Youth chief Mah Siew Keong is more of a political mentor than his own father. He said his father shielded him and his siblings from politics since they were young.

There are plenty of allegations of nepotism within Gerakan pertaining to Si Pin's election as its Youth No 2 in the party's polls in 2005. There were earlier rumours that he was to stand for the Segambut parliamentary seat but was opposed by party vice-president Dr Tan Kee Kwong and others. Despite his pedigree, people find him more approachable, friendly and down to earth compared to the sons of other political leaders. Yes, Si Pin should be given a chance to prove himself, just like everyone else.

Whilst Lim Si Pin has the advantage of being fielded in a Gerakan stronghold, with the anti-government sentiment amongst the Chinese and Indians this time round, coupled with jealous Gerakan members working against him, winning this seat won't be a walk in the park.

Si Pin, is a matial arts enthusiast - a Kung Fu expert. It was reported that unlike other guys, he is more interested in martial arts than in football. He told a journalist once in an interview, that he doesn't know how to kick a football, but he can definately kick some ass.

So lets see if Lim Si Pin can kick Tian Chua's ass in Batu and become the "Bruce Lee of Batu", or is Si Pin going to get his ass kicked so hard that he'll thank his daddy for shielding him from politics for so long.

Prediction - Both candidates have an equal chance of winning. But whomever wins will win with a relatively slim majority.